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Overview

Photos and Description of this Hillsboro holiday house

Open kitchen with beautiful views, three bedrooms one bath, sleeps 6

Our house, meant for all seasons, is a waterfront vacation cottage on the shores of the tranquil Emerald Lake. You can take in the stunning lake-view from the dining area and living room through the glass sliding doors, which open to a deck with southern exposure. The deck is a wonderful place to have coffee or tea in the summer. Early in the morning, as well as during the twilight hours, you might catch the high-pitched laugh of a loon swimming through the morning mist.

In the summer, the lake is a clean and refreshing place to swim. From the deck, you can walk through the wild flowers to the water and jump right in! There is also a rowboat, kayaks, and a canoe, among other boats, that are available for a small fishing expedition or a leisurely paddle. Just a 10-15 minute walk down the road, there is also a small sandy beach that provides easy access to the water, as well as a floating dock to relax on.

In the fall, enjoy the spectacular foliage as you hike in the near by Fox State Forest. The forest and the cottage are ideal places to relax while recharging your body, mind, and soul underneath the changing fall leaves.

Winter offer activities such as ice fishing, skating on the lake, cross country skiing, or alpine skiing. Pat’s Peak and Mt. Sunapee are nearby ski-mountains with trails for all levels of alpine skiers.

In the spring, join the anglers who come from all over New England to fish for trout, pickerel, and bass. To view the spring buds growing on the trees, you can also trek the trails of the near by Fox Forest State Park or tour the panoramic Monadnock Mountain view at Kimble Hill.

The nearby town of Hillsborough has a commercial district, where shopping for groceries is made easy. While you’re there, enjoy ice cream from the classic ice cream shop, as well as fresh baked goods from Peter’s German Bakery. Feel free to explore Hillsboro historic center and its scenic surrounding. Next door, the quaint town of Henniker, home to New England College, also boasts of some fine, local restaurants.

Guestbook comments from the owner

Hi Charlie-

We received your letter and check today for the deposit. Thanks so much. We had a wonderful time. We loved the cabin which was so clean and comfortable. The first night there was a short rain shower and we saw a double rainbow over the pines trees from the deck. We swam a lot and also enjoyed the rowboat and paddleboat.

We gave the children masks and snorkles, so they kept busy checking out all the fish including one they named Chester (probably about 10 different ones that look alike). My son caught his first fish which we released. Then, the children decided they would rather feed the fish than catch them. From the dock, they impaled japanese beetles on the latch which usually fastens the hook to the line. It was amazing to watch the fish come up and gulp down one after another. (The beetles were collected from the poor Cherry Tree which seemed to have a lot on it at mid day). We rowed across the pond a number of times and swam at the little beach to the left of the inlet (without the swing set/playground). We liked it because it was quiet, had a nice sandy bottom, and we often found frogs in the rushes. We wondered if a beaver was building a house or simply stockpiling sticks in the lily pads at the mouth of the inlet. Twice we found freshly cut tree branches over there that had been gnawed off by a beaver.

My husband and I also appreciated the wireless. I had to bring a bit of work up with me,and this made it much more convenient. We ventured out a bit to Hillsboro where we stopped for ice cream and Henniker where we found the St. George Cafe which had wonderful bagels. We explored a section of the river coming down from Hillsborough into Henniker past the sporting store where we picked up a package of night crawlers and found out that the children did not need fishing licenses. The river was neat. We waded around, looked at minnows and frogs, and saw a very large beaver lodge on the far side.

I loved your little kitchen which was so well stocked with various cooking pots and utensils. We mostly cooked and ate out on the porch. The children ate enormous amounts of food due to all their swimming.

In short, it was a great week. A very nice experience for our family. We mostly spend time on the ocean in ME where I grew up, so the chance to be on a pond and swim and explore the fresh water habitat was a treat. We would love to return and even see the pond in the fall or winter.

AUGUST AT THE LAKEHOUSE

Our family of six adults spent a week at the lakehouse in the middle of August. Charles Dumond, the owner of this property was a pleasure to deal with. He answered all of our questions about his property and our stay, promptly and courteously. The house is as cute and as cozy as described on HomeAway! We appreciated the use of the kayak, paddle boat, and row boat during our stay. Most of our time was spent out on the small but clean lake that was surprisingly NOT crowded! Another great aspect of this property is the large deck facing the water. We enjoyed many games and conversations on the deck while still being able to appreciate the beautiful outdoors. Inside, we cooked numerous meals and ate them at the nice sized dining table and L shaped ceramic counter. The Lakehouse was a perfect place for our family to get together and relax and create marvelous memories. Fun times! Thank You Charlie. Gratefully, The Jeffrey Family.

Just what you expect and more.

The last thing anyone wants when they walk into a home rental on vacation is a bad surprise. Good news here, you won't find any. Rentals in this area can be a little sketchy. Some owners don't really manage the rentals as a business, but sort of a hobby. Charlie is a pro and he has the home cleaned professionally between uses. This was our second rental from Charlie with a gap of ten years in between. Both times the home was clean and ready to go. The pictures are real. That is just how the place looks and how the lake looks.

I was surprised how well the WiFi worked. Better than my WiFi at home for sure. There is one TV for kids' TV if you need it (in case it rains).

The kitchen is fully stocked with the utensils you need. The bedrooms are as advertised and the basement has a complete assortment of boating things you will need to enjoy the lake. Both docks have their charms. I will never divulge my favorite spots, but if you like to fish, you can do well on Emerald in the spring and early summer.

My family has been coming to Emerald lake for five generations. We know the places to explore and how to enjoy the area, but we still find new things each year. There is much to do and see if you get out and look. Charlie's guide book has all the clues you need (hint - Sunapee and Kearsarge) to get started. Henniker has some great places to explore and in which to eat, and Hillsboro has the large town amenities you want (Supermarket and fast food).

Take careful note of what is offered and you won't be disappointed. This is a rental home, not a resort. Communicate with the owner and ask questions. Make sure it is a good fit for your needs and you will have a great time. We sure did.

Absolutely Beautiful

My family and I spent a wonderful week in NH. The weather was mostly marvelous, sunny days. We fired up the wood stove when the sun went down. Watching the fog lift off the lake in the mornings, coffee in hand, was something we miss in the city. Then there was the fishing! Nice bass and sunfish, from the kayak and the dock, enough for dinner every night. We would def go back again. The house was clean with all the amenities, beds warm and comfortable. Might come back myself with a few buddies, fish all day then watch the sunset, beer in hand.

Beautiful Lakeside Retreat

Our entire family (including our adult children) had a wonderful week. Emerald lake was the perfect size for us since we love to swim and didn't have to contend with motor boats. There's lots to do in the area especially if you like exploring. We spent a day hiking at Mt Sunapee and ended with a dip at the Sunapee Lake State Park.

The house was neatly nestled by the lake with great views of the water from the outside deck. The house was clean and overall very well equipped (although it could use a better outdoor grill). It suited our family's purposes well. The owner was very responsive to our questions and couldn't have been nicer.We would highly recommend staying at Charlie's and Mary's for a peaceful, restful getaway.

The area is rural with some quaint towns nearby. The house is on the Hillsborough side of the Hillsborough/Henniker line.

Hillsborough has an old Historical Center; a visit there is like taking a trip back in time. There is a one-room school house, some old churches, grave yards, and an Art Gallery. You can also visit the barn workshop of the Gibson Pewter Craft and see cups being turned.

Hillsborough also has a more commercial district with an old fashion ice cream parlor, Peter's German Bakery, and Tooky Mill's Pub & Restaurant. Down on Main Street, you will find a Shaws Market, among other amenities.

Henniker, home of New England College, boast some excellent restaurants including the Colby Inn, for special occasions; the Country Spirit, for that local feel; and Daniel's Restaurant, which over looking the Contocook River.

Pat's Peak, in Henniker, is a wonderful family ski destination. Mt. Sunapee, another wonderful ski destination in Newbury, is also just a short drive away.